July/August 2010

AirTran A+ and Net Escapes Programs Bring Big Benefits

AirTran Airways, the Tennessee Valley’s new low-cost carrier, offers passengers big benefits with two of its incentive programs – AirTran A+ and Net Escapes. By signing up for AirTran A+, you enjoy the benefits of quicker purchasing, easy booking retrieval and, best of all, you start earning your free travel. Benefits of the program include reward flights on AirTran; business class upgrade rewards; free annual companion pass; extra benefits for Elite members; and reduced Elite qualification requirements. Click here for complete details on the AirTran A+ Program. Join the AirTran Net Escapes Program, and every time the airline has sale fares or special offers, it sends an e-mail announcement to Net Escapes subscribers. Sign up today for Net Escapes and start saving!

Local Officials, Media Experience New Low-cost Carrier – AirTran Airways

Recently, local media and elected officials joined Huntsville International Airport executives on a one-day trip to Baltimore/Washington using AirTran Airways’ new nonstop service to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Mayor Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville; Mayor Paul Finley, City of Madison; Chairman Mike Gillespie, Madison County Commission; and Councilman Will Culver, City of Huntsville were among the group, as well as representatives from the regional chambers of commerce. The trip, which was co-sponsored by Huntsville International Airport and AirTran, was devoted to showing support of the Tennessee Valley region’s new low-cost carrier as well as an opportunity for the media to showcase the new BWI service as an option when traveling to the D.C. area. View the full article.

Panalpina Eyes 20-year Milestone at International Intermodal Center

Twenty years of “Dixie Jet” operations at the International Intermodal Center is just around the corner for Panalpina, one of the world's leading suppliers of forwarding and logistics services. The Dixie Jet, appropriately named, is an Atlas B747-400 freighter with non-stop international service four times weekly between Huntsville and Luxembourg as well as Huntsville to Mexico. September 15, 2010, will mark 20 years of consecutive flying in spite of all the economic downturns—terror attacks in the U.S. and elsewhere, bird flu, swine influenza, and their harmful effects on aviation, which is quite a long time for a single, transatlantic cargo service. View the full article.

Port of Huntsville Touted to Receive $500,000 to Expand Air Cargo Ramp

On July 21, 2010, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), a senior member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, announced subcommittee approval of the fiscal year 2011 Transportation, Housing, Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Included in this bill is $500,000 funding for Phase IV of the International Intermodal Center expansion, which provides for an extension of the existing air cargo ramp. This extension follows the facility’s Master Plan.  This project is intended to benefit residents in the region through job creation and commerce expansion, and it will serve as an incentive to prospective businesses considering relocation to the area. According to Shelby, “Madison County’s unemployment has consistently been the one of the lowest in the State due to Huntsville’s thriving business and research community. Allowing for further airport expansion incentivizes further growth in the region.” Following this approval by the subcommittee, the bill will go to the full Appropriations Committee for approval.

Skycap Services = Passenger Assistance at Huntsville International Airport

Need help with your luggage? Skycap services are available at Huntsville International Airport to assist passengers. A Passenger Assistance station is located in front of the terminal where one of the friendly skycaps will be happy to unload and transport your luggage to the airline ticket counter. This makes for a convenient option if you will be parking your car in the deck or economy lot and do not wish to carry your bags from your vehicle to the terminal. As well, the skycaps will be happy to load your luggage from baggage claim upon arrival at the airport. If you are in need of these services but do not see a skycap, public safety officers or any airline agent will be happy to page one to your location.

Paradies Rewards Program Earns Miles with Commercial Airlines

Shop the Paradies Store at Huntsville International Airport, and earn up to four miles per dollar on select airlines. It's Paradies way of saying "Thanks Again" to its loyal customers. Thanks Again helps consumers supercharge their participation in national reward programs by offering “bonus earning” opportunities for purchases like dry cleaning, golf, a hair cut, or a visit to a local restaurant. The program is free to participate, secure to enroll, and convenient to earn the bonus rewards. With more than 20,000 local businesses, new merchants, and retailers (including online retailers) being added every month, “Thanks Again” has the largest local rewarding merchant base in North America. Members always have new opportunities to save on the things you purchase most. Click here for complete details.

Monthly Travel Tip: Taking Advantage of Last-minute Weekend Fares

Did you know many airlines offer last-minute weekend fares at cheap fares? Most require a Saturday or Sunday departure with an option of returning one to two days later. Sign up to receive notices of these last-minute fares via e-mail, book your trip, and start packing!